Chicago Bears: 10 Bold Predictions For 2014 Season

With the NFL regular season just around the corner, here is a look at 10 predictions that could help define the Chicago Bears' 2014 campaign.

10. Jay Cutler Will Win NFL MVP

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10. Jay Cutler Will Win NFL MVP

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Entering his second season under Marc Trestman's offense, Cutler has more weapons this year with the addition of Santonio Holmes, alongside Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. If Cutler can find a way to stay healthy and remain on the field for all 16 regular season games, he could definitely find himself in the running for MVP.

9. Matt Forte Will Lead the NFL in Rushing Yards

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9. Matt Forte Will Lead the NFL in Rushing Yards

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Coming off a season in which he finished second in the league with 1,339 rushing yards, Matt Forte is poised for another big year in 2014. Forte will benefit from a more potent passing game in 2014, which should help take some defenders out of the box, leading to more rushing yards.

8. Lamarr Houston Will Lead the Team in Sacks

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8. Lamarr Houston Will Lead the Team in Sacks

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Possibly the second best free agent signing by the Bears this season, Houston will line up opposite Jared Allen which will help his sack total immensely. Houston finished with six sacks last season on a bad Oakland Raiders defense. Now, this year's Bears defense is not great, but lining up alongside Jared Allen will definitely open some doors for Houston to get to the quarterback.

7. Santonio Holmes Will Win At Least 1 Game For the Bears

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7. Santonio Holmes Will Win At Least 1 Game For the Bears

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The former Super Bowl MVP signed with the Bears after Marquess Wilson went down with a collarbone injury. Holmes is set to fill the No. 3 receiver spot for the Bears, and for most opposing defenses he will wind up the fifth option to cover after Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett. It is for that reason that Holmes will contribute greatly enough to impact at least one game significantly.

6. Chris Conte Will Redeem Himself in 2014

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6. Chris Conte Will Redeem Himself in 2014

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After a horrendous showing in 2013, Chris Conte drew to ire of most Bears fans for much of the offseason as he rehabbed from shoulder surgery. As the Bears open 2014, Conte figures to remain the starting FS, beating out several players the team brought in for competition at the position. With a revamped defensive line in front of him and healthier conerbacks around him, Conte will have a great opportunity to redeem himself.

5. Jimmy Clausen Will Lead The Team to A Win

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5. Jimmy Clausen Will Lead The Team to A Win

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After beating out Jordan Palmer for the backup QB spot, Clausen will need to be ready at a moment's notice to step in for Jay Cutler. Cutler has not played an entire 16-game season since 2009, which means there is a good chance Clausen will need to step in and take over. If this situation presents itself, Clausen will use his presence and command of the offense to come through and lead the Bears to a victory.

4. Marc Trestman Will Win Coach of the Year

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4. Marc Trestman Will Win Coach of the Year

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Entering his second season at the helm for the Bears, Trestman had great success with the offense in 2013, but with a defensive unit decimated by injuries, the team finished a disappointing 8-8. With a reworked defensive line in 2014, if the team can stay healthy, Trestman should be able to guide them to a playoff berth and put his name in as one of the best coaches in the league.

3. Shea McClellin Will Develop Into a Serviceable Linebacker

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3. Shea McClellin Will Develop Into a Serviceable Linebacker

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The former first-round draft pick has thus far struggled in his attempt to change positions from defensive end to linebacker, though he has shone flashes of success. If the Bears hope to make a postseason run in 2014, they will need McClellin to develop quickly and become a solid starter at his position, as they are not very deep at linebacker.

2. The Bears Will Win the NFC North

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2. The Bears Will Win the NFC North

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After losing to the Green Bay Packers in a win-and-you're-in game in 2013, the Bears will use their retooled defensive line and high-powered offense to make their way back to the top of the NFC North in 2014. If they can find a way to limit their opponent's scoring, their offense should be able to win them enough games to hold off Aaron Rodgers and the Packers this season.

1. The Bears Will Face Off With the Seahawks for the NFC Championship

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1. The Bears Will Face Off With the Seahawks for the NFC Championship

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The road to the Super Bowl will go through Seattle in 2014, and if the Bears can make their way into the playoffs healthy, there is reason to believe they could face off with the defending champs for the right to play in Super Bowl 49. The Bears would, of course, need to remain healthy this season and find a way to shore up their defense if they hope to make a deep run into the playoffs.